There’s something so comforting about a meal that brings the whole family running to the table — and this Cheeseburger Meatloaf Cheddar Roll does exactly that. I can’t tell you how grateful I am for the day this recipe came to life. It started on one of those “uh-oh, extra guests for dinner” evenings, and what began as a quick improvisation has now become one of our most requested dishes.
Tender ground beef, savory onions, soft bread crumbs, and that golden swirl of melted cheddar — every bite feels like the best part of a cheeseburger, only cozier. It’s a recipe that’s as fun to make as it is to serve, and the gorgeous pinwheel look always makes people smile!
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Why You’ll Love This Cheeseburger Meatloaf
- 🧀 Cheesy surprise in every slice — gooey cheddar ribbons baked right in.
- 🕒 Quick prep, hearty payoff — ready in just over an hour with minimal effort.
- 👨👩👧 Family favorite — even picky eaters clean their plates!
- 💰 Budget-friendly — made with simple pantry ingredients.
- 🧤 Make-ahead magic — assemble it the night before for easy weeknight cooking.
I still remember my teenage son showing up with three hungry friends — and me scrambling for ideas. This meatloaf saved the night! The laughter, the cheesy slices disappearing faster than I could plate them… it’s now our go-to comfort meal.
The Flavor of a Classic Cheeseburger — Rolled Up!
Think juicy, well-seasoned beef hugged around ribbons of sharp cheddar cheese, baked to golden perfection. Each slice has that irresistible cheeseburger essence — rich, savory, and satisfyingly melty. The secret is rolling the beef like a jelly roll, locking the cheese inside for the most indulgent, oozy center.
Benefits of This Recipe
- High in protein and iron
- Kid- and freezer-friendly
- Great for meal prep or entertaining
- Customizable with endless flavor add-ins
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900 g) ground beef (80/20) — juicy with the right balance of fat
- ¾ cup fresh bread crumbs — for light texture
- ½ cup minced onion — adds aromatic depth
- 2 large eggs, beaten — helps bind the loaf
- 1½ tsp salt
- 1½ tsp black pepper
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese — sharp cheddar melts beautifully
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Wax or parchment paper
- Baking dish (10×15 inch / 25×38 cm)
- Instant-read thermometer
- Sharp knife for slicing
Additions & Substitutions
- Cheese options: Try Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack for extra kick.
- Flavor boost: Add cooked bacon bits, diced pickles, or even sautéed mushrooms to the cheese layer.
- Ground meat swap: Mix half beef, half pork for extra tenderness.
- Low-carb option: Replace bread crumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat & Prepare
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Mix the Meat
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, fresh bread crumbs, minced onion, beaten eggs, salt, and pepper. Mix by hand until everything is evenly incorporated, but don’t overwork it — tender meatloaf is all about gentle mixing!
3. Form the Base
Lay a large piece of wax paper on your counter and pat the meat mixture into a 14×18-inch (35×45 cm) rectangle about ½ inch thick. This even layer ensures even baking.
4. Add the Cheese
Spread shredded cheddar evenly over the beef, leaving a ¾-inch (2 cm) border around all sides to prevent leaks.
Optional flavor twist: sprinkle in crumbled bacon or diced pickles for that true burger flair!
5. Roll It Up
Starting from a short end, lift the wax paper and gently roll the meat like a jelly roll, keeping it tight but not squeezed. Pinch seams and ends to seal.
6. Bake to Golden Perfection
Transfer the loaf to your baking dish. Bake uncovered for 60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
7. Rest & Serve
Let the loaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing — this step keeps the cheese from escaping and allows juices to redistribute.
Serving Suggestions
Serve thick slices with your favorite burger sides:
- Creamy mashed potatoes or garlic butter fries
- Crisp green salad with tomatoes and onion
- Roasted veggies for a lighter pairing
- Small bowls of ketchup, mustard, or burger sauce for dipping
For a fun twist, sandwich a slice between toasted buns for the ultimate meatloaf burger!
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Make ahead: Assemble the loaf up to 24 hours before baking. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate.
- Leftovers: Store cooled slices in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezer option: Wrap the unbaked loaf in foil and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
To reheat, warm slices in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10–15 minutes or microwave briefly, covered, to keep moisture in.
Pro Tips
- Let meatloaf rest before slicing — patience makes perfect layers!
- For extra flavor, brush ketchup or barbecue sauce over the top during the last 15 minutes of baking.
- Line your dish with parchment to catch cheese drips for easier cleanup.
- Don’t skip the thermometer — it’s the best way to guarantee juicy results.
Frequently Asked Questions
→ How do I keep my meatloaf from falling apart?
Mix the ingredients gently but thoroughly. Eggs and bread crumbs bind everything together without making it dense.
→ Can I use other cheeses?
Absolutely! Mozzarella gives you that perfect stretch, Swiss adds nutty flavor, and pepper jack brings heat.
→ How do I know it’s done?
Use a thermometer — it should read 160°F (70°C) in the center.
→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it a day before and bake when ready to serve.
→ What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Warm in a covered dish at 350°F until heated through. It stays moist and cheesy this way.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Protein: 40 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg
- Sodium: 700 mg
(Nutritional data is estimated and may vary depending on exact ingredients.)
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